A Smashing Shave in Split
Having a couple of days to spend in Split, Croatia, I tried to fit in a little bit of investigation for The Tweed Pig. I found some interesting hand-made shoes in the Green Market. They had what seemed like old car tyre as a sole, which was nailed to the upper. Quite ugly, but quite unique. I should have taken a photo. Sloppy work.
Split, Croatia
Split is a beautiful city, with lots to entertain and surprise, particularly within the walls of the Diocletian's Palace - the most complete Roman palace in existence. Hell of a lot of Australians around. They were being matey seemingly everywhere.Surprisingly, considering Croatia is reputedly the home of the cravat - whence it gets its name - there was little tie action to be found. It was blisteringly hot though, mid-30s. Linen trousers and sea-island cotton polo shirts were the order of the day.
However - and its always something I seek out in a new place - I did find an old-school barber's shop where I could get a no-nonsense haircut and a good wet shave. (A good barber's shop where you can get an unfussy shave and haircut is definitely a consideration for the Tweed Pig Index of Civilised Cities.)
Recollections of the shave and haircut. See how it compares with your local barber:
- Shave
- Shaving cream applied with brush.
- Two passes with an open razor. First going with the direction of the beard. Second going against the direction.
- Open razor with disposable blade used on ears and back of neck.
- Cold water splashed on the shaved face.
- Alum rubbed on neck.
- Ralon Classic applied over face (see below).
- Haircut
- Clippers applied to back and around ears.
- Hair washed.
- Scissor work in which the scissors were held in a very becoming pen style.
- More work on the ears with clippers and scissors. Three instruments used on ears. (Starting to think I have pretty hairy ears.)
- A parting and brush into shape. Bit of wax to hold.
- Dab of cologne behind ears.
- Talc brushed on neck.
The medical side of after-shaves
Intrigued by the sweet medicinal whiff coming from the application of Ralon Classic after my shave, I bought a bottle. A souvenir. Uncompromising label, shall we say. The composition includes camphor, sorbitol, boric acid, menthol and citronella. Unlikely to attract celebrity endorsements (or mosquitoes), which is something I suppose.
